Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-07-08
IN PARLIAMENT.
Gladstone Speaks on the Third Reading
OF the Crimes Bill-Balfour Makes a
few Remarks on Behalf OF the Govern.
ment.

LONDON. July /.
In the House of Commons tonight, a mo
tion being made for the third reading of the
crimes bill, Gladstone, amid prolonged
cheers, made q counter motion that the bill
be read the third time this day three months.
Gladstone said the bill was the conserva-
tive alternative to home rule and therefore
would have different aspect from any ordi-
nary coercion bill.
Balfour had disregsrded all precedents re-
quiring that the Introduction of the coercion
measures be prefaced by a statement of the
exceptional crime.
Gladstone maintained that the increase of
crime in 1856 over 1885, in view of the agri-
cultural distress in Ireland, was exceedingly
small. Comparing the officials of the tory
government in power in ireland in 1885 with
those in power the first five months of 1887,
there was a marked decrease in the amount
of agrarian crime. Yet in 1885 they had re-
Trained from introducing a coercive measure
from motives of policy. If Parliament re-
tanned any regard for the traditions of liberty
of party ussges the measures would be aban-
doned. What could they urge to warrant
such an invasion of the peoples liberties? ?
While resenting the imputstion that the lib
erals had done the same thing he would sd
nit that the past measures had been failures.
Among the differences between the past and
present was the extraordinary proposal max
ing the viceroy master of the whole law and
right of association.
In the present century such a proposal was
an outrage upon every principle of public
duty. Moreover new offences were created
under the measure.
The attorney general for Ireland admitted
and it was too late too deny that the bill
aimed at the suppression of exclusive deal
ing with the new crimes created, and the
measure for its suppression should operate i'm
partially.
The government did not dare to lift fin
ger in defence of the suggestion that it apply
to Englsnd,a "A provision such as il was forcing
upon Ireland. He contended that the
government was bound to extend TO the occu-
pier of land in Ireland perfect equality with
the English trades unions as regards the
rights and practices enjoyed BY the latter,
among " hich confirmation and exclusive deal
ings were sanctioned. As the bill stood if
an Irishmau Joined an association it was for
Balfour to say whether or not he became a
criminal by the act.
In conclusion Gladstone said
Ireland after 70 years of oppression and
wrong was in a state of misery aud wretched-
ness. (Cries of ''hesr, hear.") In the
whole British Empire there was not square
yard of land which England held by force
alone excep ing in Ireland where force is EN-
ployed Enthusiastic cheers from the Irish
Denches.)
Ireland was held by mastery but the gov
ernment refused TO learn that mastery in
volved responsibility. They knew the whole
literature of the world was against them
("No. No."l He challenged the government
to mention any authority who had review ed
the relations between England and Ireland
without arriving at the home rule solution.
(Cheers.)
The tories professed to be fighting for the
union of the empire, the fight in which the
liberals Joined, daughter and cheers) and the
Liberals held that the charge of disunion was
ridiculous.
Gladstone then moved for the rejection of
the bin amid cheers from the liberal and
Parnellite benches.
Baljour, in replying to Gladstone, first re-
ferred to the charge that the government had
brought the bill as an alternative to Glad
stones home rule proposals. If that was the
case. he said. be felt justified in saving that
it was sufficient to recommend the measure
to the acceptance of the House. The gov.
ernment WAS mainly justified in introducing
the proposals by the state of social tyranny
which had recently Deep created In Ireland
tyrannies that attacked the rights and liber-
ties of the minorites and most of those ele-
ary principles without which the coun-
try could never have been prosperous. He
conteDded that crime was worse now in Ire
land than IN 1870, when Gladstone promoted
coercion. Gladstone had made an insidious
and inaccurate statement regarding this
years crime in Ireland. Early in the year
there was visible improvement but at the
last quarter session there were evidences OF
relapses. In June 62 serious crimes were
committed, ten above the average of the pre-
vious eighteen months.
VIM. O'Brien praised Gladstone's brave
opposition to the bill. Gladstone, he said,
was the greatest conqueror of Ireland
While others conquered by might of arms
Gladstone conquered by generosity of soul.
Major Saunderson and the attorney general
replied on behalf of the government.
The debate then adjourned.
Gladstone's speech has attracted great at
tention. 1t aroused great enthusiasm in the
House,
The Parnellites will not prolong the debate
on the crimes bill beyond tomorrow.
The government will have the usual ma
jority.